The following speech was delivered by Kenli Hill, CLA Student, Class of 2025 at our Fall Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024.
Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight. My name is Kenli Hill, and I am a senior this year at Christ’s Legacy Academy. This will be my tenth year here. I transitioned schools after first grade because I was having a terrible experience in public school. I was bullied, hearing language that kids shouldn’t even know at that age, and my classes were far too easy. So, my mom and I came and shadowed at CLA for an hour one day toward the end of my first-grade year. I recall being very surprised by the classroom environment. The students respected one another and actually listened while the teacher was speaking. There were also consequences if you did not follow the rules. I was not used to this at all. In addition, the classwork I got to sample was challenging, and the teacher went out of her way to make me feel comfortable. After that day, my family was sure that CLA was the place I needed to be.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that the things I saw when shadowing were not just for show. I quickly made many new friends and felt like I was learning more than I ever had before. The classical learning style really helped me understand the importance of a solid education from a young age, and the close-knit community that CLA fosters is something that I’ve always loved.
This school has changed a lot from those first days of second grade. We’ve had our own building for almost 7 years now and have even had to add another smaller building for our expanding upper school. Programs such as fine arts and agriculture have been implemented, and we’ve started multiple clubs as well. And, my favorite, we have the famously fun house system where students get to compete in all sorts of unique ways throughout the year to hopefully win the coveted House Cup.
I could go on and on about the growth of CLA and all the fun opportunities it provides to its students. But, what you all probably care most about is, what happens after? Sure this school prepares students to be above average for the next grade they go into, but when they get their diploma, will they be ready to go beyond the school’s walls?
Well, as a soon-to-be CLA graduate, I want to share some of what I’ve gained throughout my time at this school. Firstly, I have received a strong education. I feel very competent in all subjects and think the classes we take here shape students into well-rounded individuals. I have also been a part of multiple sports teams, some of which I thrived in more than others. However, while intellect and athleticism are very crucial, these things can only get you so far. To me, the best thing I’ve learned from CLA is the value of meaningful relationships.
The friendships I have formed during my elementary, middle, and high school years mean so, so much to me. From the goofy stages of fidget spinners and slime to these sometimes intimidating beginnings of adolescence, you can’t make it through without friends. It’s bittersweet to think about having to part ways very soon with the peers I’ve grown up with, but it’s a blessing to have people you care about enough to miss.
Additionally, the bonds I have with so many of my teachers at CLA have been a huge part of my life. Even if it’s a subject I don’t particularly enjoy, I still anticipate going to class because I know I will be welcomed by not simply an instructor but someone who truly wants to pour into my life. Every teacher I’ve had here has shared that they pray for us students and are always available to help us in any way they can. You just don’t get that level of compassion in a typical school setting, and it really does have a positive impact on the class.
Then finally, the greatest and most significant relationship CLA has helped me to grow is my relationship with Christ. Growing up is hard. Life will always have hard times. But this school has taught me repeatedly that the God I believe in is more powerful than anything the Enemy can throw at me. Am I anxious about some aspects of what lies ahead? Yes, of course I am. It’s scary to not know what tomorrow will hold, but I know Who holds my tomorrow, and I 100% trust in Him. Unfortunately, the sinful world tries to distract us. It advertises many roads to happiness that will supposedly lead to an “easy way out” type of future, but it is deceitful. Happiness is merely temporary. God, on the other hand, promises joy, and that joy is eternal because it is rooted in Him. He doesn’t say the rough days will go away and never return, but He says He will be right there with you in the valley and that you will build steadfastness on your journey out. We will never walk alone, and one day, there will be no more anxiety, confusion, or even pain. And because of this hope, I have incomprehensible peace when I think about what’s to come.
Honestly, I was pretty nervous when Dr. Arnold asked me to give a speech at the banquet. I remember my first time even getting to sit in on the banquet and how excited I was to get to eat a fancy meal like the adults. But, I am thankful he offered me the opportunity. It gave me the motivation to reflect on my past decade at CLA and contemplate what do I really want to take away from my time here? I see the evidence of the Lord’s goodness every day in the people I’m surrounded by, and because of the encouragement I’ve received from them, my faith has only increased. I wholeheartedly believe that Christ is my firm foundation, and therefore, I don’t have to exhaust myself worrying about the next stages of life. So, if you were to ask me if I feel like Christ’s Legacy Academy has prepared me for the future, I would confidently say yes, and I’m excited to see the plans that God has for me and my classmates. Thank you.
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